Volvo XC90 refreshed, gains new B5, B6 mild-hybrid engines

The big news, however, is the arrival of a series of mild-hybrid engine options wearing a new ‘B’ badge.

For example, the XC90 will be offered with the choice of a new B5 mild-hybrid petrol or diesel powertrain or a new B6 petrol mild-hybrid.

The mild-hybrid system uses a conventional combustion engine – a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel in the case of the B5 with 235hp – plus a 10kW electric motor capable of delivering an additional 40Nm of torque when required.

The electric motor is powered by energy recuperated by a new brake-by-wire set-up that recovers kinetic energy during braking, storing it in a small battery.

Although economy figures haven’t been released, Volvo claims the new ‘B’ models can achieve fuel savings of up to 15%.

Emissions see a similar reduction: under the new WLTP regime, the B5 achieves CO2 emissions of 173-203 g/km depending on tyre size, compared to 211-238 g/km for the petrol-only T5.

The existing T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid system has also been revised and is said to offer a 15% greater range than before – up to 45 miles, in fact.

These revisions will be rolled out to other 60 and 90 series cars, while the XC60 will also be available with matching B5 petrol or diesel mild-hybrids, plus a B4 diesel mild-hybrid and B6 petrol mild-hybrid.

The B5 will be offered in both front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, while the smaller XC40 will soon gain a T5 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, later followed by a T4 Twin Engine.

Away from the engine bay, the changes to the XC90 are relatively modest: a revised front grille, redesigned alloy wheels, and new exterior colours – most notably, a new Thunder Grey.

The XC90’s safety systems have been updated and now offer steering input for the City Safety and Blind Spot Information System; Oncoming Lane Mitigation is now available, while Cross Traffic Alert now includes autobrake.

The Sensus infotainment system gains a few updates, too, and now offers Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 starts production in May, and will be available to order in the UK in mid-March. First deliveries are expected in late Q2 2019.